How to do a Korean facial routine

Korean is in fashion. You already saw it in our article about Korean makeup , and today we are reiterating it again. But this time, focusing on the field of skin care . The Korean facial routine is attracting all the attention in the Western world, and it is no wonder, because its results are incredible.

Let's see what steps you have to follow if you want to have skin worthy of a porcelain doll .

The 10 steps of the Korean facial routine

Maybe the headline might put you off, because we know that having to do so many actions in your daily facial routine… is a pain. But don't worry, because you don't have to do them all every day, but rather choose the essential steps for your skin and do them every day. The rest you will have to do from time to time.

Here we go! These are the 10 steps of the Korean facial routine :

STEP 1. Double facial cleansing: oil-based cleanser

These first two steps are the most essential of all. The ones that really make a difference . The ones you have to do every day, no matter what.

In Korea, they don't use biphasic cleansers or micellar waters, but rather they clean their face with two products. First, they use an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup and the grease and dirt that has accumulated throughout the day.

STEP 2. Double facial cleansing: water-based cleanser

Once they have removed the first layer of dirt with the oil-based cleanser, they proceed to apply another cleanser, but this time water-based . This finishes off any remaining dirt. The result? Skin that is as clean as it gets.

If you need some ideas on these products, check out some of the best makeup removers on the market.

STEP 3. Exfoliation

You don't have to do this step every day because... you could end up with a faceless face! Jokes aside, exfoliation is very necessary because it removes dead skin cells and promotes cell renewal , making the skin better absorb the products and nutrients we apply to it. But you have to do it depending on the type of skin you have.

If you have dry skin , we recommend exfoliating it once a week ; while if you have oily skin and no acne, you can do it once or twice a week . On the other hand, if you have very fine or sensitive skin , do it every two weeks if you don't want your skin to become irritated and suffer.

STEP 4. Apply toner

Facial toner is another step you can't skip . It's the product that balances the skin's pH after cleansing or exfoliating. Let's say it's in charge of pampering our skin.

After applying it, you will see how your skin feels hydrated, protected and, if possible, even cleaner. Thanks to it, our skin will be ready for the next steps of the Korean facial care routine.

STEP 5. The essence

Essence is a complete unknown in the Western beauty world. It is a mix between a toner and a serum , as it is much more concentrated than the toner but is lighter than the serum. It is applied right between these two products to provide extra hydration.

It is enriched with numerous active ingredients that are beneficial for the skin, with high doses of ferments such as yeast , which promote flexibility and elasticity . In addition, it acts at a cellular level, so the results are much deeper and can be noticed more quickly.

Experts say this is a crucial step, so don't even think about skipping it!

STEP 6. The serum

There's nothing like a good serum to make your skin look irresistible. These products have such a high concentration of active ingredients that are beneficial for the skin, that applying them is another step that you can't skip.

There are thousands of types, so we recommend that you take your time to identify what you want to improve in your skin, and choose the serum accordingly . There are some to treat blemishes , to delay the appearance of wrinkles and signs of aging, to prevent acne , to treat dehydration or to give more luminosity... Although you can also vary and use different serums throughout the year to treat more skin deficiencies.

STEP 7. The sheet mask

You don't have to do this step every day, but you'll want to do it because it's so much fun. Even though the name sounds a bit strange, you've probably seen them before. They're the thin white masks with holes in the eyes, nose and mouth. They make you look like the Phantom of the Opera!

They are the queens of deep hydration , since thanks to their shape, they adapt completely to the skin, reaching even the most difficult to access nooks and crannies such as the underside of the nostrils. In addition, since they are made of fiber or cotton , they do not allow nutrients to evaporate before being absorbed.

STEP 8. The eye contour

This step is another basic step in the Korean facial routine . The skin around our eyes is much thinner and more delicate than the rest of the face, so it needs a special product to take care of it properly.

Apply a small amount only on the orbital bone (never on the eyelid or too close to the waterline), gently patting it in using your ring finger , as it is the finger that is the weakest of all. This light massage will activate circulation and prevent the appearance of bags and wrinkles.

STEP 9. The moisturizing cream

This step cannot be missed , not only in the Korean facial routine, but in any beauty routine worth its salt.

Without moisturiser, your skin will never be fully hydrated. It also seals in all the products you've applied previously. A must-have!

STEP 10. Sun protection

I'm sure you're not used to this. But it's another of the strengths of this routine that makes Korean women have such perfect, beautiful skin.

Blessed be the sun, as it brings us warmth, joy and a very beautiful tone to our skin.

But be careful, because if we don't protect it well, it can cause irreversible damage . The appearance of spots is a clear example of this, so sunscreen should be the last step in your daily facial routine. Apply it before going outside , whatever the weather; because, even if it's cloudy, UV rays always filter through and affect our skin.

And… that's it! This is what the Korean facial care routine consists of. 10 simple steps that will make a difference to your face .

Still, if you're still a bit reluctant or don't have the time, check out this alternative facial routine . It's also super effective!